The 'wedding party' crisis in Jeita cave, northern Lebanon, continues as the relevant authorities have confirmed it was illegal, while the municipality remains defiant, threatening to host more events during the Christmas season. Head of the 'Public Procurement Authority' Jean Elia affirmed that holding a wedding party inside Jeita cave constituted a clear violation of the contract's terms between Jeita municipality and the Ministry of Tourism, and breached Article 46 of the Public Procurement Law, which requires operators to respect the contract's scope and subject matter and adhere to the law's provisions. In a radio interview, Elia stressed the need for supervisory, administrative, and judicial bodies to investigate the municipality's violations, determine responsibilities, and take appropriate legal measures. Meanwhile, Jeita municipality mayor Waleed Baroud revealed the municipality's intention to organize musical and artistic events in the cave during the upcoming Christmas, explaining that the communication with the ministry was verbal, whereas the Ministry of Tourism requires a written prior request for any event. On his part, Prime Minister Najib Mikati demanded an investigation and accountability for anyone who violated laws and contract terms related to the use of tourist and archaeological sites, emphasizing the need for full compliance with government circulars regulating the use of public property and symbolic landmarks. In response, the Ministry of Tourism announced it will send an official warning letter to the municipality to identify violations and demand strict adherence to legal and ethical obligations in managing the cave, and to prevent any activities without obtaining necessary permits and licenses. Jeita cave is one of Lebanon's most prominent natural landmarks, distinguished by its karst formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and inner caves. The cave receives thousands of tourists annually, with strict measures in place to preserve its natural state, including a ban on photography. In 2011, Jeita cave competed with numerous other historical and natural sites worldwide in the New7Wonders of Nature competition.
